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Written by Tiffany Yeh
In a world obsessed with preparing children for a future dominated by artificial intelligence, it’s tempting to believe that early exposure to technology is essential for success. But what if I told you that your preschooler’s best preparation for tomorrow doesn’t involve coding apps or screen-based learning at all? I’ve seen how the push to make kids “AI-ready” can overshadow what really matters: nurturing creativity, curiosity, and human connection.
Here’s my perspective on why less screen time might actually be the key to unlocking your child’s full potential.
1. Creativity Thrives Offline
AI can solve problems, but it can’t dream, imagine, or create like a human can. Preschoolers don’t need an app to learn problem-solving—they need open-ended play. Give them a cardboard box, and they’ll turn it into a spaceship, a house, or even a time machine. My own child once spent an entire afternoon crafting a “zoo” out of blocks and mini toy animals. That kind of creativity isn’t fostered by screens—it’s sparked by the freedom to explore and invent.
2. Curiosity Can't Be Programmed
AI tools may provide answers, but they don’t teach children how to ask questions. Curiosity is the foundation of learning, and it grows best in the real world. When my son asked, “Why are some leaves green and some leaves orange?” we spent the afternoon collecting leaves, talking about the different shape and texture, and looking at books about leaves. That experience was far richer than anything a screen could provide.
3. Human Connection Is Irreplaceable
In a future where AI will handle many tasks, emotional intelligence and social skills will be more valuable than ever. These skills aren’t learned through screens—they’re developed through face-to-face interactions and reading body languages. Whether it’s sharing toys, resolving conflicts, or simply laughing together, these moments teaches children about finding understanding and empathy in shared experiences.
4. Boredom Is a Gift
Screens are often used to fill every moment of downtime, but boredom is where creativity begins. When children have nothing to do, their minds wander, and that’s when they come up with their most original ideas. I’ve seen my son turn a quiet afternoon into an adventure, inventing games and stories that wouldn’t have happened if he’d been glued to a screen.
5. Nature Beats Screens Every Time
Want to prepare your child for the future? Let them explore the natural world. Climbing trees, digging in the dirt, and watching insects teaches problem-solving, patience, and an appreciation for the environment—skills that will matter and follow them through their growing up years. Being with nature provides a different stimulation when interacting with our natural surroundings.
6. Play Is the Ultimate Teacher
Unstructured open-ended play builds critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability that are essential skills in an AI-driven world. When my child pretends to run a cafe or builds a bridge out of blocks, they’re learning how to solve problems, work with others, and think creatively.
7. Screens Can Wait
There’s plenty of time for your child to learn about technology later. Preschool years are precious and fleeting—a time for exploring the world with wide-eyed wonder. By delaying screen time, you’re giving your child the chance to develop a strong foundation of curiosity, creativity, and connection.
The race to make children “AI-ready” risks turning them into passive consumers of technology rather than active participants in the world around them. Instead of focusing on screens, let’s focus on what makes us uniquely human: imagination, empathy, and the ability to connect with others.
As parents, we have the power to give our children something AI never can—a childhood filled with wonder, play, and meaningful experiences. We have to take an active role in guiding our children to not rely on the quick fixes but to go through the mountains and valleys with them as they navigate their way around the world. Every smile, every tear, every roar, every fear has a learning moment for both children and parents alike. Having three children myself, I completely understand the struggle to commit and the fatigue of a working parent. But nothing good comes easy.
Here at PPS, Grit and Grease are some of the learning dispositions that we hope to instill in our children.
By embodying the spirit of tenacity; recognising that failures are a part of life, embracing and rising from failures positively, and having the courage and resilience to overcome all of life’s challenges and difficulties.
The future belongs to those who know how to think, feel, and dream.
Let’s do our best to raise humans, not robots.
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